Digital TV Information and Help

The Date When Television Goes All Digital Has Changed.

CSD is working with the FCC regarding the switch to digital television (DTV) taking place on Feb. 17, 2009. Our task is to get this message to deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind and speech disabled consumers across the country who may need assistance. CSD is launching the CSD-DTV Help Center on February 9 specifically for these consumers to ask questions, find out if they need a converter box or ask how to purchase and install a converter box.

We need your help to spread the word!

CSD would like your assistance in communicating to people in your community or to the people you serve on how to get more information about the DTV switch. Here’s how:

1. Send a flyer to members of your community about the availability of the CSD-DTV Help Center (attached).
2. Place a web banner on your local web site (samples attached for your convenience).
3. Keep the CSD-DTV Help Center web site address and phone number handy in case you get questions from people you work with or serve.
4. Watch how to install a converter box demonstration video in ASL, English, Spanish and open captions on the web site.
5. Print informational documents from the web site to share with your consumers and local community partners.
6. No Internet access? Call the DTV-Help Center for help.

Beginning February 9, the CSD-DTV Help Center will be available 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. The CSD-DTV Help Center is like no other across the United States—a fully-accessible Help Center whereby staff will communicate with individuals one-on-one or with their families to educate them about the DTV change, and troubleshooting issues as needed to ensure a converter box is successfully obtained and installed. Deaf and hard of hearing consumers will be offered a choice of communication modes that fits their needs, whether it is by voice, videophone, TTY, Instant Messaging, IP Relay, Voice Carry-Over Relay, Captioned Telephone, Video Relay or Spanish Video Relay.

CSD appreciates your assistance to spread the word about the DTV transition. By doing any of the activities suggested above, your community will be provided access to the necessary information needed to be able to continue watching their TV’s on February 17.

“Get Connected, not disconnected”